Bachelor of Social Work with Honours BSW(Hons)

Social Services

A course by

Otago University

An advanced undergraduate honours qualification in Social Work for high-achieving students, combining the BSW with research-intensive courses and a dissertation.

NZ$10,810

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Dunedin, Dunedin

It will take a total of 4 years

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Advanced Practice in Social Work

Develop advanced skills and knowledge in social work practice, particularly with children, families, and communities.

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Conduct Social Work Research

Undertake a research-intensive programme including completion of a dissertation, building foundational research skills in social work.

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Professional Social Work Fieldwork

Complete advanced fieldwork placements to apply social work theory and practice in real-world settings.

What You're Signing Up For

The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (BSW(Hons)) provides an advanced option at 400-level for students completing the BSW degree. Students complete the main requirements of the BSW degree, plus additional research-intensive courses and produce a dissertation. This qualification offers an excellent pathway into social work practice, especially where research is valued, or a foundation for further postgraduate study in social work.

Course Content

  • SOWK 402: Social Work for Children and Families: Advanced Practice
  • SOWK 403: Communities and Organisations - Advanced Practice
  • SOWK 490: Dissertation
  • SOWK 492: Fieldwork Practice 2
  • Core BSW degree courses

What you need to know first

Completion of the third year of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Academic achievement in 300-level BSW courses

Subject to safety checking for suitability to work with children as required under the Children’s Act 2014

Admission approval by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities)

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Community and Social Services

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Social work practitioner in various agencies

  • Community development roles

  • Organisational and policy positions in social services

  • Roles requiring social work research skills